Swing training aid

ABSTRACT

A swing training device includes a central shaft having a first end and a second end, and a plurality of air resistance blades secured to the central shaft adjacent the second end of the central shaft. Each of the air resistance blades includes a proximal edge secured adjacent the central shaft and a distal edge extending away from the central shaft, wherein each of the air resistance blades includes at least one air hole adjacent the proximal edge. The device preferably includes first and second air resistance blades secured to the central shaft and the blades are pivotally secured adjacent the central shaft for rotation about an axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the central shaft.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates to a swing training device. More particularly, the invention relates to a collapsible swing training device offering improved functionality. The present swing training device is especially suited for, but not limited to, use as a swing training aid for sports which require swinging of a club or shaft such as golf, baseball, softball, tennis, badminton, etc.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Most golf training aids work on the position of the golfer's body, the golfer's head position and the golfer's swing arm. However, little attention has been given to the position and angle of the wrist as it relates to the squareness of the club head during a golfer's swing and at the time of impact with the golf ball (or other projectile).

[0005] The devices which do consider the torsional position or squareness of the head of a golf club are generally limited to providing information regarding the point of impact only. These devices also consider torsional position or squareness through the use of visual aids, for example, sensors, lasers and the like. However, no tactile feedback is provided to the user. Examples of such devices maybe found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,998 to Tarulli, U.S. Pat. No. 6,325,727 to Carr, U.S. Pat. No. 6,293,875 to Sanford and U.S. Pat. No. 6,254,493 to Wurster.

[0006] Tarulli discloses a device which includes a large mechanical mechanism confining the movement of a golf swing within a pair of adjustable arms. Carr discloses a device using a paddle that is swung through water, providing hydraulic resistance and thereby purportedly improving muscle tone. Sanford discloses a device supplying visual aid to the user by providing an attachment at the grip end of the club that may be viewed as the individual swings. Finally, Wurster discloses a device utilizing a series of lasers to provide complex geometric visual patterns that maybe used as a non-tactile reference.

[0007] As the prior art discussed above shows, much of the commonly available golf exercise equipment is complex, bulky, expensive and difficult to utilize. In addition, most of these devices either act as a golf swing (or body) positioning aid or as an exercising device, but rarely both.

[0008] With the foregoing in mind, a need exists for a swing training aid and/or exercising device overcoming the shortcomings of the prior art. The present invention provides such a device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a swing training device. The swing training device includes a central shaft having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is shaped and dimensioned for gripping by a user of the swing training device. The swing training device also includes a plurality of air resistance blades secured to the central shaft adjacent the second end of the central shaft. Each of the air resistance blades includes a proximal edge secured adjacent the central shaft and a distal edge extending away from the central shaft, wherein each of the air resistance blades includes at least one air hole adjacent the proximal edge.

[0010] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a swing training device wherein the air holes are shaped and dimensioned for creating turbulent air flow through and about each of the blades as they are moved through the air by a user.

[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide a swing training device wherein the at least one air hole is rectangular.

[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a swing training device the air holes of each of the air resistance blade are identical.

[0013] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a swing training device wherein the proximal edge of each air resistance blade is pivotally secured adjacent the central shaft for rotation about an axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the central shaft, and the first and second air resistance blades may be selectively rotated for collapsing the blades to a storage configuration.

[0014] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a swing training device consisting essential of a central shaft having a first and a second end, wherein the first end is shaped and dimensioned for gripping by a user of the swing training device. The swing training device also includes first and second air resistance blades secured to the central shaft adjacent the second end of the central shaft. Each of the air resistance blades include a proximal edge secured adjacent the central shaft and a distal edge extending away from the central shaft, wherein the first and second air resistance blades are oriented at approximately 90° relative to each other.

[0015] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a swing training device including a capture nut interacting with the air resistance blades to control movement between an expanded configuration and a storage configuration.

[0016] It is another object of the present invention to provide a swing training device including a hinge supporting the plurality of air resistance blades.

[0017] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a swing training device wherein the hinge includes first and second hinge members, and the second hinge member is rigidly secured to the central shaft.

[0018] It is also another object of the present invention to provide a swing training device wherein the hinge includes abutment members prevent opening movement.

[0019] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a swing training device wherein the hinge includes support stiffeners which prevent closing movement.

[0020] It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a swing training device wherein the support stiffeners are shaped and dimensioned to selectively pass through recesses formed in the hinge so as to permit movement of the hinge to a storage position.

[0021] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a swing training device including a capture nut interacting with the hinge to control movement between an expanded configuration and a storage configuration.

[0022] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth certain embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present swing training device with the air resistance blades in an open configuration.

[0024]FIG. 1a is a perspective view of the present swing training device with the air resistance blades in a closed configuration.

[0025]FIG. 2 is a front view of the present swing training device.

[0026]FIG. 3 is a rearview of the present swing training device.

[0027]FIG. 4 is a top view of the present swing training device.

[0028]FIG. 5 is a detailed perspective view of the hinge for the present swing training device.

[0029]FIG. 5a is an exploded view of the hinge shown in FIG. 5.

[0030]FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the air resistant blade in accordance with the present invention.

[0031]FIG. 7 is a top view showing air flow through the present swing training device, when it is aligned with the direction of travel.

[0032]FIG. 8 is a top view showing air flow through and around the present swing training device when the device is not aligned with the direction of travel.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0033] The detailed embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiment is merely exemplary of the invention, which maybe embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limited, but merely as the basis for the claims and as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention.

[0034] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, a swing training device 10 is disclosed. The present swing training device 10 is especially suited for improving a user's golf swing, although it may be used for a variety of purposes those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate. With this in mind, the present swing training device 10 provides an exercise apparatus which improves muscle tone and improves muscle memory relating to one's swing and club head angle. In addition, the present swing training device 10 facilitates rapid adjustment for proper club head orientation through adjustments made by the user in response to tactile feedback to the wrist and hands (as well as visual feedback).

[0035] The present swing training device 10 aids users in correcting improper wrist and hand position. This allows the user to memorize the correct position for a square impact with the ball. This is of particular importance in games such as golf where improper club face rotation can result in radical errors in the path of the golf ball. This invention uses two air resistance blades 12, 14 that are at a 90° angle (perpendicular, although other geometrically balanced, nonlinear orientations may be used) to each other and swung so that both are positioned 45° from the direction of the forward swing. If the position of the blades 12, 14 has rotated, the air resisting surface area, relative to the direction of the swing, is no longer balanced and therefore it is immediately evident to the user through increased and decreased torsional forces felt in the hands and wrist of the user (see FIGS. 7 and 8). This is also true if the device were to have a third air resistance blade of the same or different size added in a central position and orientation.

[0036] By taking advantage of the increased air resistance, the present swing training device 10 is able to improve muscle tone and muscle memory specific to the groups of muscles used in a normal swing. Because the air resistance is balanced by a specific air blade arrangement and controlled precisely through the use of air capture and venting procedures, Bernoulli turbulence effects are used for full air advantage between and behind the two adjacent air resistance blades 12, 14 (see FIGS. 7 and 8).

[0037] The swing training device 10 includes a central shaft 16. The central shaft 16 includes a first end 18 which is shaped and dimensioned for gripping by a user of the swing training device 10 and a second end 20. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the central shaft 16 is a conventional golf shaft including a grip 22 at the first end 18 thereof. With this in mind, the central shaft 16 is composed of steel or graphite, although those skilled in the art will appreciate that the central shaft 16 may be constructed in a variety of fashions without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0038] A plurality of air resistance blades 12, 14 are secured to the central shaft 16 adjacent the second end 20 of the central shaft 16. Each of the air resistance blades 12, 14 includes a proximal edge 12 a, 14 a secured adjacent the central shaft 16 and a distal edge 12 b, 14 b extending away from the central shaft 16. In addition, and as will be discussed below in greater detail, each of the air resistance blades 12, 14 includes at least one air hole 24 adjacent the proximal edge 12 a, 14 a for creating turbulent air flow through and about each of the blades as they are moved through the air by a user.

[0039] The air resistance blades 12, 14 are secured to the central shaft 16 for selective and controlled movement between a storage configuration shown in FIG. 1a and an expanded configuration as shown in FIG. 1. Movement between the storage configuration and the expanded configuration is facilitated via the provision of a hinge 26 which secures the proximal edges 12 a, 14 a of the air resistance blades 12, 14 to the central shaft 16. As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 5a, the hinge 26 is a two-piece assembly adapted to support, and provide pivotal movement for, a pair of air resistance blades 12, 14. The first hinge member 28 includes a bracket 30 section shaped and dimensioned for direct attachment to the proximal edge 12 a of the first air resistance blade 12 via bolts 32 and wing nuts 34 (although those skilled in the art will appreciate the wide variety of fastening devices that maybe used without departing from the spirit of the present invention). The first hinge member 28 further includes first and second tubular members 36, 38 which receive the second end 20 of the central shaft 16 when the present device is fully assembled. Abutment members 40 are also provided and are secured to the outed edge 36 a, 38 a of each of the first and second tubular members 36, 38. As will be discussed below in greater detail, the abutment members 40 interact with the second hinge member 42 to control the angular orientation between the first and second air resistance blades 12, 14.

[0040] The second hinge member 42 is shaped and dimensioned to mate with the first hinge member 28 for relative pivotal movement. With this in mind, the second hinge member 42 includes a bracket section 44 shaped and dimensioned for direct attachment to the proximal edge 14 a of the second air resistance blade 14 via bolts 32 and wing nuts 34. The second hinge member 42 further includes first and second tubular members 46, 48 which receive the second end 20 of the central shaft 16 when the present device 10 is fully assembled. The first and second tubular members 46, 48 of the second hinge member 42 are staggered relative to the first and second tubular members 36, 38 of the first hinge member 28 so as to permit mating of the first and second hinge members 28, 42 when they are positioned adjacent each other upon the second end 20 of the central shaft 16. The second hinge member 42 is also provided with abutment members 40 which are secured to the outed edge 46 a, 48 a of each of the first and second tubular members 46, 48. As with the abutment members 40 of the first hinge member 28, the abutment members 40 of the second hinge member 42 interact with the first hinge member 28 to control the angular orientation between the first and second air resistance blades 12, 14.

[0041] Enhanced functionality is achieved by providing each of the first and second hinge members 28, 42 with molded support stiffeners 50 which help to stabilize and support the air resistance blades 12, 14 at their respective attachment points to the hinge members 28, 42. Specifically, the support stiffeners 50 are positioned relative to the abutment members 40 so that they abut respective interior surfaces 51 of the opposite hinge member 28, 42 when the hinge members 28, 42 are expanded to their complete extent of approximately 90° and thereby prevent movement toward a storage, or closed configuration.

[0042] The first and second hinge members 28, 42 are mated with their respective first and second tubular members 36, 38, 46, 48 aligned for receipt of the second end 20 of the central shaft 16. The abutment members 40 are positioned on the hinge 26 so as to prevent movement beyond approximately 90° when the blades 12, 14 are moved to their expanded configuration and the support stiffeners 50 are positioned along the interior surfaces 51 of the respective hinge members 28, 42 to prevent movement to a closed orientation. Specifically, the respective abutment members 40 function by engaging the exterior surface 53 of the opposite hinge member 28, 42 when the hinge members 28, 42 are expanded to their complete extent of approximately 90°. In this way, the abutment members 40 prevent the respective hinge members 28, 42, and the blades 12, 14 attached thereto, from expanding beyond an orientation of 90° relative to each other.

[0043] The first and second hinge members 28, 42 are attached to the central shaft 16 by rigidly bolting the second hinge member 42 directly to the central shaft 16 and permitting the first hinge member 28 to rotate relative thereto. Specifically, by bolting the second hinge member 42 to the central shaft 16, the first tubular member 36 of the first hinge member 28 may sit upon, and be supported by, the second tubular member 48 of the second hinge member 42.

[0044] Locking of the first and second air resistance blades 12, 14 at a desired orientation on the central shaft 16 is achieve by the provision of a capture nut 52 adjacent the upper end 54 of the first and second air resistance blades 12, 14. The capture nut 52 is screwed on the threaded portion 61 of the proximal edge 42 a of the hinge member 42, thereby creating a locked position in which the capture nut 52 applies downward pressure upon the hinge 26, preventing relative movement and a release position in which the capture nut 52 is moved upwardly along the length of the shaft 16. When the capture nut 52 is moved from the hinge members 28, 42, the first hinge member 28 may be lifted upwardly, allowing the respective support stiffeners 50 adjacent the first and second tubular members 36, 38, 46, 48 of the first and second hinge members 28, 42 to fit within the rectangular recesses 56 formed within the brackets 30, 44 of the first and second hinge members 28, 42. That is, the respective support stiffeners 50 maybe aligned with the rectangular slots 56 which allows the first air resistance blade 12 to rotate relative to the second air resistance blade 14 about the central shaft 16 so that the blades 12, 14 may be moved to their storage configuration with the air resistance blades 12, 14 flat, or nearly flat, against one another in a manner making the device more portable.

[0045] In use, and after the blades 12, 14 and hinge 26 are secured to the central shaft 16, the air resistance blades 12, 14 are moved from their expanded configuration to a storage configuration by first releasing the capture nut 52. Once the capture nut 52 is released, the first hinge member 28, and first air resistance blade 12, may be lifted to allow for alignment of respective support stiffeners 50 adjacent the first and second tubular members 36, 38, 46, 48 within the rectangular recesses 56 formed within the brackets 30, 44 of the first and second hinge members 28, 42. The aligned support stiffeners 50 may then be rotated through the rectangular recesses 56 as the first and second air resistance blades 12, 14 are rotated to a storage configuration with the air resistance blades 12, 14 flat, or nearly flat, against one another in a manner making the device more portable. The first hinge member 28 is then lowered and the capture nut 52 is then rotated downwardly onto the threaded portion 61 so as to once again apply pressure to the upper end of the hinge 26, holding the blades 12, 14 in their storage configuration.

[0046] When a user wishes to then open the air resistance blades 12, 14 to their expanded configuration, the capture nut 52 is once again screwed to move upwardly. Once the capture nut 52 is released from the threaded portion 61, the first hinge member 28, and first air resistance blade 12, may be lifted to allow for alignment of respective support stiffeners 50 adjacent the first and second tubular members 36, 38, 46, 48 within the rectangular recesses 56 formed within the brackets 30, 44 of the first and second hinge members 28, 42. The aligned support stiffeners 50 may then be rotated through the rectangular recesses 56 as the first and second air resistance blades 12, 14 are rotated to an expanded configuration with the air resistance blades 12, 14 positioned 90° relative to each other. A user will know that the 90° orientation has been reached when the abutment members 40 engage the outer surface 53 of the respective hinge members 28, 42. The first hinge member 28 is then lowered and the capture nut 52 is rotated downwardly onto the threaded portion 61 of the hinge member 42 so as to once again apply pressure to the upper end of the hinge 26, holding the blades 12, 14 in their storage configuration. Movement of the first air resistance blade 12 relative to the second air resistance blade 14 is facilitated by support stiffeners 50 and abutment members 40 engaging opposite side of the respective hinge members 28, 42 in a manner preventing movement until the first hinge member 28 is lifted, permitting movement of the support stiffeners 50 through the rectangular recesses 56.

[0047] The functionality of the present swing training device 10 is enhanced by the provision of air holes 24 adjacent the proximal edge 12 a, 14 a for creating turbulent air flow through and about each of the blades 12, 14 as they are moved through the air by a user. The air holes 24 in conjunction with the angular orientation of the air resistance blades 12, 14 precisely control air capture and venting. The holes 24 are specifically shaped and dimensioned to create Bernoulli turbulence effects which enhance operation of the present swing training device by taking full air advantage of the forces both between and behind the two adjacent air resistance blades 12, 14. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, air passing around the blades 12, 14 and through the holes 24 creates substantial air pressure and turbulence. The pressure and turbulence create ideal air flow both between the blades 12, 14 and behind the blades 12, 14 which provide both resistance to travel and torsional forces causing a user to readily identify and correct an undesirable orientation and/or swing.

[0048] As discussed above, the air resistance blades 12, 14 are oriented at a 900 angle relative to each other, with each air resistance blade 12, 14 being 45° from the desired direction of movement during the user's downswing. This creates equivalent surface area for each air resistance blade 12, 14 as they travel through space thereby imparting equal air resistance on either side of the central shaft's 16 longitudinal axis. The air pressure creates increased resistance to a user's swing and, thereby increases muscle usage for muscle development and improved muscle memory. As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, a similar effect is also achieved during the backswing, although resistance is reduced due to the angular orientation of the air resistance blades 12, 14 relative to the direction of travel.

[0049] While an angular orientation of 90° is discussed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, other nonlinear, that is, not 180°, angular orientations may be utilized without departing from the spirit of the present invention. By providing symmetrically positioned air resistance blades, the device may be utilized by both left and righted individuals without the need adjustment.

[0050] If a user orients the central shaft such that the air resistance blades are not at equal and opposing 45° angles relative to the direction of travel (or 135° against the direction of travel if a reverse swing path or backswing is utilized), the air resistance blades will produce differing amounts of air resistance (see FIG. 8). The difference in air resistance creates unequal torsion (rotational force) transfer up the central shaft 16. This effect is felt as a torsional (or twisting) force by the user, encouraging corrective measures be taken.

[0051] It is the relationship between the first and second blades which makes the dual blade design of the present invention especially suited for training golfers so as to ensure a balanced and square club face upon impact with a golf ball. Specifically, by providing only two opposed air resistance blades, an individual utilizing the present swing training device will be readily able to feel torsional force when the first and second air blades are not aligned with the direction of travel. The force is immediately sensed by the user as indicating a specific type of improper alignment, and the user may instantly make corrections to relieve the torsional force. Where more than two blades are utilized as in the prior art, it is often difficult for one to obtain accurate desired feedback that the blades are in fact out of alignment.

[0052] With reference to FIG. 6, the end of each air resistance blade 12, 14 is provided with a tapered cut. The shallowest of the tapered cuts 58 allows the present swing trainer 10 to stand on end when position on a level surface. The more severe cut 60 at the bottom outer end corner of each of the resistance blades 12, 14 increases ground clearance during usage as one practices a golf swing.

[0053] In practice, the present swing trainer is used by gripping a handle or grip at the first end of the central shaft in a manner which is appropriate for the specific sport for which the individual is training, for example, a two handed grip may be utilize for golf while a one-handed grip may be utilized for tennis. Upon swinging in an appropriate manner for the sport a user wishes to practice, several things are accomplished. For example, when one trains for golf, which requires the club head to be square with the ball during impact, the user starts in a normal golf stance with each air resistance blade facing 45° from the desired direction of travel of a ball. By making a normal swing, the user is quickly able to determine if twisting forces are induced due to the imbalanced air resistance blade positions resulting in disproportional air resistance at the opposite blade. If a twisting force is encountered, the user adjust his or her swing and/or grip until a balanced condition exists with no twisting, thereby, improving the swing and squaring the swing trainer at a position that would normally be encountered at impact. By repeatedly creating the correct blade position during a swing, the user imparts muscle memory that maybe transferred to real competition.

[0054] The increased air resistance created by rapid movement of the air resistance blades through space makes the present swing trainer a good aerobic style swing training and muscle development aid for golfers and non-golfers that don't necessarily require feedback relating to twisting. The light weight and relatively minimal amount of resistance created reduces the potential for injury and muscle strain. For even less resistance, the present swing trainer may be rotated so that the blades are in the opposite direction from normal usage, further reducing air capture and resistance effects. In addition, blade sizes may be varied to provide for increased or decreased air resistance.

[0055] While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by such disclosure, but rather, is intended to cover all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. 

1. A swing training device, comprising: a central shaft having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is shaped and dimensioned for gripping by a user of the swing training device; a plurality of air resistance blades secured to the central shaft adjacent the second end of the central shaft, each of the air resistance blades including a proximal edge secured adjacent the central shaft and a distal edge extending away from the central shaft, wherein each of the air resistance blades includes at least one air hole adjacent the proximal edge.
 2. The swing training device according to claim 1, wherein the air holes are shaped and dimensioned for creating turbulent air flow through and about each of the blades as they are moved through the air by a user.
 3. The swing training device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one air hole is rectangular.
 4. The swing training device according to claim 1, wherein the air holes of each of the air resistance blade are identical.
 5. The swing training device according to claim 1, wherein the proximal edge of each air resistance blade is pivotally secured adjacent the central shaft for rotation about an axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the central shaft, wherein the first and second air resistance blades maybe selectively rotated for collapsing the blades to a storage configuration
 6. A swing training device, consisting essential of: a central shaft having a first and a second end, wherein the first end is shaped and dimensioned for gripping by a user of the swing training device; first and second air resistance blades secured to the central shaft adjacent the second end of the central shaft, each of the air resistance blades including a proximal edge secured adjacent the central shaft and a distal edge extending away from the central shaft, wherein the first and second air resistance blades are oriented at approximately 90° relative to each other.
 7. The swing training device according to claim 6, wherein each air resistance blade includes at least one air hole adjacent the proximal edge for creating turbulent air flow through and about each of the blades as they are moved through the air by a user.
 8. The swing training device according to claim 7, wherein the at least one air hole is rectangular.
 9. The swing training device according to claim 7, wherein each air resistance blade includes air holes, and the air holes of each of the air resistance blade are identical.
 10. The swing training device according to claim 6, wherein the proximal edge of each air resistance blade is pivotally secured adjacent the central shaft for rotation about an axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the central shaft, wherein the first and second air resistance blades may be selectively rotated for collapsing the blades to a storage configuration
 11. A swing training device, comprising: a central shaft having a first and a second end, wherein the first end is shaped and dimensioned for gripping by a user of the swing training device; a plurality of air resistance blades secured to the central shaft adjacent the second end of the central shaft, each of the air resistance blades including a proximal edge pivotally secured adjacent the central shaft for rotation about an axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the central shaft and a distal edge extending away from the central shaft, wherein the plurality of air resistance blades may be selectively rotated for collapsing the blades to a storage configuration.
 12. The swing training device according to claim 11, further including a capture nut interacting with the air resistance blades to control movement between an expanded configuration and a storage configuration.
 13. The swing training device according to claim 11, further including a hinge supporting the plurality of air resistance blades.
 14. The swing training device according to claim 13, wherein the hinge includes first and second hinge members, and the second hinge member is rigidly secured to the central shaft.
 15. The swing training device according to claim 13, wherein the hinge includes abutment members prevent opening movement.
 16. The swing training device according to claim 13, wherein the hinge includes support stiffeners which prevent closing movement.
 17. The swing training device according to claim 16, wherein the support stiffeners are shaped and dimensioned to selectively pass through recesses formed in the hinge so as to permit movement of the hinge to a storage position.
 18. The swing training device according to claim 13, further including a capture nut interacting with the hinge to control movement between an expanded configuration and a storage configuration. 